CougarBlue: BYU Rugby vs. Arizona State

I snagged this video clip from CougarBlue.com, sponsored by The Daily Herald ... BYU disposes of the ASU Sun Devils, 80-0! (See the full video clip of the intense, Cougar Haka HERE!)

Yes folks, the time has come to get pumped for the Playoffs, starting with Navy this Saturday, 1 PM (MST) at South Field! 

Fans far and abroad can watch online by clicking HERE!

Enjoy!!!
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CRF President Aaron Webber: Interview of the Week, Part III

(hi5.com photo)

BYU Rugby Forever: As far as looking a little more long term, just in terms of the goals that you have for the program and this vision that you've mentioned, do you have any specific dates or time ranges that you're shooting for accomplishing these specific goals?

Aaron Webber: One of the other challenges that we have is coming in basically at the beginning of a season: It doesn't give you much time to get traction before the season's now halfway through and then over. You know, we've only got another two months, slight less than two months, and then the season's done. And a lot of those things we want to do have a long tail, so you've got to work your way into them and those sort of things. So, we'll be able to add some value this year.

I'd like to think that there would be some demonstrable steps forward for next season, 'cause we get the whole off-season and preseason to get things in place. And I'd like to think that in the sort of three to five year plan, we get to the point where we're funded; the money's in the bank before the season starts; and we've got programs in place that communicate effectively. I mean, we're not going to keep everybody happy, but there are routines and structure in place to move ourselves forward and manage the business. I'd like to be involved in that for as long as Davy and the other guys want me to be. You know if they perceive I'm not pulling my weight, then they kick me out and get someone else in.

But you know, I just want to add value where I can, and I think the two to four year time frame is an appropriate one to get everything in place that needs to be in place, and there's always the tweaking and the fine-tuning that needs to take place from there. But yeah, years two and three, I think, will be the ones where as the giant leads forward in terms of structure and systems to support the team.

BYU Rugby Forever: As far as BYU Rugby alumni and fans, just off the top of your head, what specific activities or responsibilities or things could they do to help in this effort and help support the Cougar Rugby Foundation and the whole rugby program at BYU?

Aaron Webber: I think there's a number of things. First is just talk about the game. Talk about the team; talk about the game. I think there's a growing awareness of rugby in the United States. You know, it's one of the fast growing sports at the high school level. I mean, case in point in Utah here, when I first started coaching at the high school level there were seven teams I think in Utah and this year there's something like twenty-nine ... and that's just in four years. So it's some significant growth going on; see, the chatter is out there about the sport. So just talking the sport up.

If you're anywhere near a game that takes place, be at the game. Drag friends and family and kids and neighbors along. Spread the word in that regard, both from a BYU perspective as well as a rugby perspective; ideally, a BYU Rugby perspective. You know, general chatter, going to games, home or away.

Write a check, send us some money. I'm that blunt about it. If you don't have the time, then you know send us your ten dollars, a hundred dollars, a thousand dollars, or ten thousand dollars. Or, chat with your employer, and say, "Hey look, as part of our community engagement spending, can you sponsor the BYU Rugby team?" and those sorts of things.

There's all sorts of ways people can be engaged in it: go to the websites, go to the blogs, just keep yourself in sync with what's going on and sooner or later something will spark an interest or there'll be the area where you can say, "Well, I could help there," and so you can step in and add some value.

BYU Rugby Forever: Well, thanks for your time. Any final thoughts or anything else you would share with the BYU Rugby Community out there?

Aaron Webber: Yes, thank you for your support thus far. And I don't want to seem ungrateful, but we've got to notch it up, myself included, in terms of our level of support for the team. So, don't yell at me or chase me away if I come to you and ask you to do something or contribute. Just continue to love the game, continue to be involved where you can.

I think we're at the cusp of some outstanding things for BYU. Will we forever be at the level where we're at? No, we'll have some good years and some bad years. But I think we're operating at a level now where the expectations are realistic enough to assume we're going to be in the Final Four and compete at the Final Game and win it more often than not. And so I think that's a successful program, that's a program that you can feel proud to be a part of.

For you and I, it was back in the old days; we helped lay the foundation. And that alone should be a sense of pride. But then to be able to come back, you know, circle back around, and provide some degree of value, add to that. Once you've learned at BYU, gone out, and earned something in the marketplace, come back and return that to the team.

You see some players out there you think would be great for BYU, let's hear about them. You think there's some things we could do better and faster and stronger, let's hear about it. And more often than not, we'll come back to you and say, "Great idea; help us do it!" So, just being involved, being aware. We have the beginnings of a great family here, and I just want to build on that where I can and augment that where possible.

BYU Rugby Forever: Thanks for all your support; we look forward to doing what we can to help you out!

Aaron Webber: You're welcome.

Editor's note: This piece is the third part of a three-part, extended interview originally audio-recorded by BYU Rugby Forever on 3 March, 2010, in Provo, Utah.

Due to the seventeen-and-a-half-minute length of the recording, it has been transcribed and separated into three sections for readability and presentation purposes.
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CRF President Aaron Webber: Interview of the Week, Part II

(hi5.com photo)

BYU Rugby Forever: Along those lines, since you already mentioned what you need to do with the Cougar Rugby Foundation, kind of 'taking that load off the coaches' backs', what are your duties going to be, or what have you already been doing, to fill that role and get the ball rolling to take care of those responsibilities?

Aaron Webber: I see the role basically in three facets. Number one is and will always be fundraising. It's an unfortunate reality, but it takes money to do what needs to be done. And if the team's going to make an annual event of going to the National Championship game, we're going to have to find some way to pay for that and get themselves there and not have to sleep on the floor and all those sorts of things. You know, back in our day it was minivans driving for a day and a half, and then sleep with members, and blah blah blah. So, we have notched it up in terms of our sophistication, and that's appropriate. The team has notched up in terms of its playing level, too, which means you've got to notch up in terms of the funds required to do that. So number one's fundraising.

Number two would be alumni relations: keeping the alumni informed; having the appropriate forum such as this and others. And that doesn't mean that I do it or the Cougar Rugby Foundation does it. We can do some but we can also be facilitators; have these sort of conversations; just get the message out there; maintain contact ... which also feeds fundraising, obviously, but also helps build that team spirit.

I mean, rugby is a great team sport. You know, I love American football; it's an outstanding sport. It is a team sport, but you don't necessarily play as a team. I mean, it's a collection of teams. You've got offense; you've got defense; you've got special teams. And very rarely do those teams intersect or be on the field at the same time. You've got specialist positions where you play quarterback and you do certain things; and that's what you do, and you get very good at them. In rugby, you have to be more of a generalist: you're offense, you're defense, you're special teams, you're tackling, you're running, you're scoring ...

So, to me, that's the approach I want to take in terms of some of these back-office support mechanisms is this Cougar Rugby Foundation can facilitate that team play on the alumni. We have significant expertise in our alumni base. We have guys that are great marketers, great bloggers, great communicators, great fundraisers, guys with plenty of money that can write checks, people that can bring crowds to games ... you name the skill sets that we need; they're in the alumni base. And so, worst case scenario, all we've got to do is just have that alumni base informed as to how they can help, how they can be involved, 'cause I think most want to be, and then the benefits will flow from that.

So, fundraising, alumni liaison, and then whatever we can in terms of off-field support. You know, negotiating with airlines, hotels, just making the process of running the team more efficient in terms of sponsorships, gear supply, field preparation, gameday dramas, etc., etc.; just again, take the burden off the coaches so that those guys can focus on what they're very, very good at ... which is coaching a great team, recruiting great talent, building a great program.

BYU Rugby Forever: As far as that whole undertaking is concerned, what are some of the roadblocks or potential obstacles you see to making that all happen? As you said, the resources are there ... what obstacles are in the way as you try to facilitate that whole process?

Aaron Webber: I don't think there are obstacles; obstacles are just opportunities, right? I mean, it's just a question of how you approach them. I think the biggest obstacle we have is just some inertia ... you know, there are good people out there that have lost contact. And in their water, they want to help; they just don't know how, and so they haven't done anything. And so just getting them off the dial there, you know, doing something, being involved ... that, I think, is the biggest issue.

But, that's not a big issue, but that's the biggest one we've got, I think. Writing a check, spreading the word, getting bums in seats at games home and away. It doesn't have to be a hard or time-intensive thing, but just if everyone makes that contribution just like the team, you know ... with all due respect to wingers, I mean, they're not involved in the game all the time, but good wingers go looking for work, right? They don't just hang out on the wing and say, "Well, the ball's on that side; I'll just hang out here and do nothing." They go looking for it, they get engaged, they scrounge the ball.

Same sort of thing: we don't want a bunch of alumni that are just wingers waiting for the ball to come to them and then they go to work. Some guys that can put their hand up and say, "I'll go looking for work." And, you know, the game, the institution ... to me, and I'm off track here, but the institution is outstanding. BYU is ... you know, I'm a diehard BYU fan, so ... check that box. The game is outstanding, I'm a diehard rugby fan. Our rugby team is outstanding, I'm a diehard BYU Rugby fan; so you bring those three together, and I think that there is an attraction in all three of those or one of those three, whatever the case may be, for people to want to be involved and add some value and do some stuff.

You know, BYU is a world-class institution, and we have now got the beginnings of a world-class team and a world-class program, and I just want to do what I can to help move that along. And I think others do too; but they just need to know where to 'stand where you lift' type thing ... "Ok, I'm standing, so what am I lifting, and what am I going to do?"

Editor's note: This piece is the second part of a three-part, extended interview originally audio-recorded by BYU Rugby Forever on 3 March, 2010, in Provo, Utah.

Due to the seventeen-and-a-half-minute length of the recording, it has been transcribed and separated into three sections for readability and presentation purposes.
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CRF President Aaron Webber: Interview of the Week, Part I

Yes folks, it's time for another BYU Rugby Forever 'Interview of the Week' ... however, this go 'round presents a special treat: an extended look into the future of the BYU Rugby Program as dictated by Cougar Rugby Foundation President Aaron Webber. (hi5.com photo)

Enjoy!

BYU Rugby Forever: If you could, tell us BYU Rugby fans about your history and involvement, your connection to the team in the past and how that figures into your current role as the Cougar Rugby Foundation President.

Aaron Webber: My history as relates to BYU Rugby, I mean, it's history and it's history that's relevant ... I played for BYU in '89-'90 ... I think those were the years, back in the days when Vern Heperi was coach. Very different program from what it is now but just as fun, just as good a sport, just as engaging in terms of the nature of the sport ... and then lose track as you get into life and move away and do other things. But I was from New Zealand and was living in New Zealand for the last portion of the intervening period, and so rugby's a passion down there; it's a religion. So you always keep track of the sport, always try to keep track of BYU and BYU Rugby during that same time period.

Then we moved back here to the US about thirteen years ago, just began to get more involved from a spectator perspective in the sport, watched its progress. Then probably about four or five years ago, began to get a lot more involved on an alumni basis, on a 'writing-a-check' basis ... going to the games. My boys were getting older, and they wanted to start to look at playing rugby. They were junior-high/high-school age, and so we got involved at that level. And then obviously you want to introduce them to the next level along which was BYU.

And so we went to the games and became passionate supporters as a family of BYU Rugby. And then I was just asked two months ago or so to take the role as president; I must confess I didn't immediately jump at it ... not that I wasn't prepared to do it or didn't want to help. But I just wanted to make sure that I was qualified to do what needed to be done and that I had the time and energy to do what was required of me in doing that role. They twisted my arm and so here I am.

BYU Rugby Forever: Great, great; glad to hear it. As far as your professional background, how has that all factored in? I mean, obviously that was a factor in having them ask you to help out the team; could you describe a little bit of your professional background and what that means for the Cougar Rugby Foundation?

Aaron Webber: By way of professional background, most of it's been in business. My undergraduate degree from BYU was in finance and economics. I've just completed, actually, a graduate master's level degree from the University of Chicago in business, in behavioral economics. Most of my life has been in sort of a corporate world, working my way up through the food chain there, culminating in the corporate side in doing a management buyout. We bought the company I was working for from its European parent, sought to turn it around, get it going, did so, and then managed to reduce my investment in that. And now I basically run my own private equity fund looking to invest in companies doing startups, turnarounds, growth-stage investments, those sorts of things.

So, you know, it's been an interesting marketplace the last couple of years ... but ambiguity and interestingness speaks to opportunity in my opinion. And same thing for BYU Rugby, I mean, we have a great opportunity ahead of us. We've made that national-championship leap; we've achieved it. Now we've got to turn the team and a national-championship team into a national-championship-caliber program; and that isn't a coaching thing, that isn't a player thing ... that's a behind-the-scenes, Cougar-Rugby-Foundation thing. We've got to give the coaches the time and the attention, or allow them to have the time and the attention, they need to have to do what they need to do.

I look at what Justin, and David, and Kimball, and Wayne, and these guys have been doing ... I mean, they're husbands, fathers, church members, running a business, and coaching a team, all of which are full-time jobs. And as well as coaching, doing all the off-the-field stuff: the fundraising, the logistics, the marketing ... it boggles my mind how much workload they've had, even as relates just to BYU Rugby, let alone business and family and personal and church.

So I see our role in helping build that national-championship-level program as taking a lot of that off-the-field drama and distraction away from them. And that's where I think my background can be helpful. There is bringing some systems, some process, some money to bear where the coaches have to worry about, "Okay, if we make the playoffs, how do we afford to get there?" ... you just have to worry about making the playoffs and then doing the best possible job at the playoffs, knowing that other people who are semi-qualified or qualified are working on the challenge of the logistics, the funding, and those sorts of things.


Editor's note: This piece is the first part of a three-part, extended interview originally audio-recorded by BYU Rugby Forever on 3 March, 2010, in Provo, Utah.

Due to the seventeen-and-a-half-minute length of the recording, it has been transcribed and separated into three sections for readability and presentation purposes.
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BYU Rugby Media Blitz #5: Playoff Preview

The Playoffs are here, my friends, and Our BYU Cougars are set to spring big in a first-round bout against the University of Delaware TOMORROW!

Tune in to BYU Rugby Forever for USA Rugby's live video coverage of the BYU-Delaware game at 8 PM (MST)!!!

And while you're at it, you might as well fill out a tournament bracket to get a full dose of National College Rugby Championship spirit: Get Your Tournament Bracket Now!



And now, a few thoughts in anticipation of another crazy round of playoffs ...

Great expectations, as always, of Our Boys this time of year. The last few weeks saw them lose to Utah and then rebound against San Diego State ... To be perfectly honest, I'm still burned by the loss to the Utes: shoddy refereeing, sluggish second-half play by the Cougars, and a generally demoralizing defeat. Utah didn't even play that well at all; BYU dominated most facets of the game yet somehow surrendered it all to the U in the second half. What was with Our Boys anyway? In many instances, I felt like I was giving more than they were just by my frantic cheering ... talk about sadness and even a bit of betrayal.

Thankfully though, only days later, Our Boys met the SDSU Aztecs with more energy and creativity than they've shown all season. And I'm all for giving credit where credit's due: good leadership from Lock TJ Allred, the usual work-horse performance from eight-man Ryan Roundy, great work by the Deep Three, and a standout job by Captain and Flyhalf Dylan Lubbe. Let's not forget the beauty of a try delivered by Senior Center Sean Howard, a diving grab off a nicely-placed grubber by Lubbe ... awesome stuff! And what a way to close out your BYU Rugby home season. Nice work, fellas; way to come back and stick it to the then #3 team in the nation!

Now, looking ahead to the playoffs, it's time to talk turkey ... the 2010 tournament is not the 2009 tournament revisited, not at all in fact. Instead, it's a whole different animal. This year presents a noticeably softer road to the Big Four than last year. Not to knock Delaware, Syracuse, and Arizona, but they're not yet at BYU's level ... and I think they recognize the fact. So, to really have a chance to beat BYU, they're going to have to bring it full-time. BYU are not the same team as they were last year, but I would similarly wager that none of the three opposing teams in question are of the caliber as last year's Dartmouth and Arkansas State sides.

Of course, this situation poses a potentially crippling scenario for BYU: a padded road to the semi-finals only to be followed by meetings with not-so-soft teams, such as, Cal Berkeley, SDSU, Utah, Army, and Arkansas State. If last year's Cougar crew needed as tough a preliminary-round schedule as they had to prepare them for Cal, then this year's obviously different BYU squad will need to dig even deeper to get ready. It seems a recipe for disaster ... because, folks, regardless of what anyone thinks about any of the teams along the way, we all know that the formidable Cal will be ready. No question about it.

In conclusion, there is one great advantage, however, that the BYU Rugby team has always enjoyed throughout the years: the majority of people always discounts them when compared to the likes of Cal. Even last year's very dominant BYU side wasn't quoted to be Cal's match by any means ... and yet they prevailed against all odds.

And so it is, my beloved BYU Rugby fans, that Our Boys still have a great opportunity before them. If they can harness a collective desire to rise to the occasion and shatter the warped perspectives of their foes, then they will be victorious. And all along the way, if we BYU Rugby fans can collectively cheer Our BYU Cougars on to that victory (with a prayer in our hearts), then, believe it or not, we just might bring home that coveted National Title!

Pick it up, Boys, pick ... it ... up. Now's your chance, not tomorrow, not yesterday. Now ... today ... be the great team that we know you are! BYU Rugby Forever!!!

For us BYU Rugby fans at home, here's a veritable feast of BYU Rugby media to bridge the gap until tomorrow. Enjoy!

USA Rugby Broadcast Details Set for Playoffs (BYURugby.com)

BYU-TV: “The Rugby Game Day Experience” (BYURugby.com)

Top 25: All Set (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Final Playoff Spots Filled for Collegiate Championships (BYURugby.com)

BYU’s Playoff Path is Set (BYURugby.com)

Men DI College Top 25 April 7, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

College Sevens Invitational (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Top 25: Playoff Rankings (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Sam Wolthius (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Konner Wiscombe (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Lelann Latu (BYURugby.com)

Cougar Corner: Apenisa Malani (BYURugby.com)

Men DI College Top 25, March 30, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

Top 25: Ton of Movement (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

BYU Bounces Back to Beat SDSU (BYURugby.com)

College: Non-Playoff Wrap (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Utes Comeback to Beat Cougars (BYURugby.com)

Slight Revenge - Utah Beats BYU (RugbyMag.com)

Utah Upsets BYU (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

BYU vs. Utah (Rio Tinto Video) KSTU Raw Video (BYURugby.com)
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BYU Rugby Lock TJ Allred: Interview of the Week

The BYU Rugby Forever 'Interview of the Week' series continues with BYU Rugby Lock TJ Allred. With several changes occurring in the 2010 starting lineup due to injury, graduating seniors, and LDS missions, the return of the former U-19 Canadian National Team player has proven critical to the Cougars' success thus far. One of the fittest players on the team, Allred often arrives first at the breakdown while also exploiting opportunities to insert in the back-line.

In the BYU Rugby team's most recent win against highly-ranked San Diego State, Allred also stepped up and took a leadership role in line-out situations, an area of struggle for the BYU forwards this season. As a result, BYU produced more creative and deceptive line-outs than in any previous test, and not surprisingly, more control of the set piece. (Photos by Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever: What is it like coming back to the BYU Rugby team after serving a 2-year mission for the LDS Church? Where did you serve? How has that experience impacted your capacity to contribute to the BYU Rugby team?

TJ Allred: Being back on the team from my mission in Montreal, Quebec, wasn't too hard of a transition. I needed to get back into shape quickly and had a solid couple of months on my own before pre-season, so I ran like crazy. My mission helped me realize the importance of team work and brotherhood between players in order to help perform. I'm very grateful for that. It's been really fun playing with Ryan Roundy who returned from his mission at the same time. He played for USA while I was playing with Canada before attending BYU. I had heard his name tossed around, and now we're on the same team.

BYU Rugby Forever: As a starter at the unique position of lock, what kind of challenges and responsibilities do you face in your efforts to contribute to the team? Any specific areas in which you perceive a need for improvement, personally or as a team?

TJ Allred: I love the lock position. But I'd play winger if they let me. As long as I'm on the field I'm fine. Its always a challenge to give 100% at all times. Every game I play I analyze only what I did wrong. I'm a bit of a perfectionist. There is definitely a bit of rust in the line-outs this year. But our team is really getting the right attitude to fix it, and we've already improved immensely as shown in our game against Colorado.

Our coaches say that there is no other team in the nation with as much natural talent as ours. I believe it too. It's just a matter of working together to unleash that talent. We need to stay calm and just have more fun. We play better that way and it shows. It's up to us as a team collectively to not get down on each other and stay positive where it is needed.

BYU Rugby Forever: The 2010 season has many people talking about the BYU Rugby team's strength in the forwards. Do you feel that this talk is justified? Thoughts? Are you ready to meet the challenge of another National Championship playoff run?

TJ Allred: We definitely have an advantage in our scrumming. We have fitness and power in our front row, and our back 5 are fit enough to get around the field. I love playing with our forward pack. When we are united and positive with each other, I believe that we play well enough to justify the so called "talk" going around. Pressure is on this year though; we need to really commit ourselves on and, more specifically at this point, off the field if we want to keep our title.

BYU Rugby Forever: Coming from the Canadian rugby system, what adjustments have you made to integrate yourself into the American system and especially the BYU Rugby team? Any aspirations of pursuing higher-level rugby in the future?

TJ Allred: I definitely enjoyed the time I had on team Canada. But I was still in the process of developing as a rugby player. Coming to BYU has helped me become that, I believe. The coaches give their all into the program and it shows. More or less the only real adjustments I've had to make are the jokes made against Canada and coaches calling me "Canucky." My freshman year was a bit difficult. I came in half way through the season and didn't know anyone, and it was hard to develop chemistry with some of the players and the coaches at first. But coming off my mission has been much better. I guess everyone goes through that weird 'new kid' phase though.

I'd absolutely love to play at a higher level. If you have never thought or dreamed about it at least once, you probably shouldn't be playing rugby. If the cards are ever to fall right, I'd consider for sure.

BYU Rugby Forever: Thanks TJ; good luck and go Cougars!
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BYU Rugby Media Blitz #3

Folks, my apologies for dropping off the radar there for a spell... luckily, BYU Rugby rolls on whether or not the Superfans are in attendance at every match! (Although it could be debated that our mere presence accounts for a few extra BYU tries!) :D

Hopefully, however, all are well aware that the BYU Rugby team have continued their winning tradition in the last few weeks by defeating the likes of Utah State University, Texas A & M, Air Force Academy, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, and Southern Utah University to improve their record to 7-0.

Here's the latest from all over the web.

Cougar rugby team puts perfect record on the line (Universe.byu.edu)

Game of the Week (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Cougars Ready for Big Barbos Challenge (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Viliami Vimahi (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: David Smyth (BYURugby.com)

Men DI College Top 25 Feb 25, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

Top 25: Frontrunners Emerge (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Cougar Corner: Aaron Webber, CRF President (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Joey Mount (BYURugby.com)

Top 25: LVI Influence (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Men DI College Top 25, Feb 18, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

BYU Finishes 4-0 at LVI (BYURugby.com)

LVI Scores: Day 3 (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

LVI Scores: Day 2 (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Rugby dominates weekend matchups (Universe.byu.edu)

Cougars Double Up in Vegas with Two Big Wins (BYURugby.com)

BYU Overpowers A&M (RugbyMag.com)

BYU Sets for a Busy Vegas Weekend (BYURugby.com)

Cougars’ title defense continues this weekend (Universe.byu.edu)

CougarCast: Sean Howard (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Kimball Kjar (BYURugby.com)

Video Highlights: BYU vs. USU (BYURugby.com)

BYU Shuts Out Utah State (RugbyMag.com)

Cougars Throttle Past Aggies (BYURugby.com)

College: Western Scores (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Moana Hafoka (BYURugby.com)

USCRA Logo Unveiled (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Adam Kuchin (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Wayne Tarawhiti (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Mike Su’a (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Mike Price (BYURugby.com)

Folau establishes himself as leader on Y rugby team (Universe.byu.edu)
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BYU Rugby Media Blitz #2

Ready to Scrum (KCSG.com)

Highlights: BYU vs. Delaware–January 29, 2010 (BYURugby.com)

Cougars Labor For Win (BYURugby.com)

Red Rocks Trip About More Than Just Rugby (BYURugby.com)

No. 1 BYU Defeats No. 3 Delaware (RugbyMag.com)

College: Red Rocks scores (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Top 25: SMC Takes a Tumble (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Men College Top 25, Jan. 25, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

CougarCast: Shaun Davies (BYURugby.com)

Jarom Jordan interview with All-American rugby player, Steve St. Pierre (twitter.com/byutvsports)

Jarom Jordan interview with All-American rugby player, Manti Su'a (twitter.com/byutvsports)
Read more...

BYU Rugby Media Blitz

In an effort to keep every legitimate BYU Rugby fan 'in the know', BYU Rugby Forever introduces the "BYU Rugby Media Blitz", a deluge of current news and media from all over the web featuring content relevant to the BYU Men's Rugby team...

And with the Cougars' new status as "defending National Champions", there's definitely a whole slew of mentions here and there... Enjoy!

Rugby to battle Blackjacks in Vegas (Universe.byu.edu)

BYU rugby team hungry to defend title (Universe.byu.edu)

Webber to Take Over CRF (BYURugby.com)

Men DI College Top 25 Jan 19, 2010(RugbyMag.com)

Top 25: UCLA Returns (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Cougar Corner: Dylan Lubbe (BYURugby.com)

Cougar Corner: Official Team Blog Opens (BYURugby.com)

Cougars Go Green Beret (BYURugby.com)

Special Forces Challenge - Photo Gallery (BYURugby.com)

Cougars Add Three Matches to Complete Schedule (BYURugby.com)

UCSB Video Highlights (BYURugby.com)

Podcast: Head Coach David Smyth (BYURugby.com)

Podcast: Apenisa Malani (BYURugby.com)

Podcast: BYU Rugby Asst. Coach Wayne Tarawhiti (BYURugby.com)

USCRA Forms Interim Board (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

BYU's Roster Mix of Old and New (RugbyRugby.com)

BYU Faces Tall Order (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Heavy Turnover for BYU Squad (RugbyMag.com)

2009 Men's College Player of the Year: Steve St. Pierre (RugbyMag.com)

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BYU Rugby Assistant Coach Kimball Kjar: Interview of the Week

In a departure from the usual, "Interview of the Week" introduction, I would like to preface this particular interview with a personal story. And while I'm sure Coach Kjar probably doesn't recall this experience, there's no way I would soon forget it...

As a freshman, I tried out and made the BYU Rugby team in the Fall of 2001. At that time, Coach Kjar was also on the team as a junior or senior starter. He had recently been selected to be a member of the US National Team, and so many of us new players didn't know what to expect.

It wasn't often that he practiced directly with all of us less-experienced players, and so I think many of us harbored a sort of uncertainty and intimidation with respect to his capabilities. There came a day, however, when we had to do tackling drills... against Eagle and All-American Scrumhalf Kimball Kjar...

Suffice it to say that we got a firsthand lesson in destruction... and I say we because it was actually three of us players that tried to take him down at the same time... Yeah... "tried"... we might as well have been trying to uproot a tree trunk! He carried the three of us probably a good ten meters or so before stopping (that is, I don't think he ever got taken down)...

Thank goodness we were all on the same team! That's all I have to say about that... ;)

And so, without further ado, BYU Rugby Forever humbly presents this week's guest, a former BYU Rugby star, All-American, US Eagle, and now BYU Rugby Assistant Coach, Kimball Kjar. (Paul Meyers Photo)


BYU Rugby Forever:
Throughout your rugby career, you essentially ran the gamut of opportunities available in the realm of American rugby. Now that you are off the pitch, acting as an assistant coach, how has your perspective of the game changed? What factors enabled the transition from player to coach?

Kimball Kjar:
The perspective is simply flipped. When you’re playing you need to know what your coaches are thinking and what their expectations are in order to perform to your best ability. As a coach you are asking yourself questions about what the players are thinking and what their expectations are. Anticipating those things as a player and a coach is one of the things that I believe make a player or coach successful.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What is your end-goal with respect to the future of the BYU Rugby program?

Kimball Kjar:
Primarily, I want to continue to help make BYU rugby what it was for me—a place where a person can grow mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The uniqueness of our goals and objectives on and off the field make our program a brotherhood compared to no other and those relationships will be carried for the rest of a player’s life.

After that, I think I’d be dishonest if I didn’t say I wanted to see us continue to win rugby games, win the Wasatch Cup and compete every year for a national championship.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What adjustments will the BYU Rugby team have to make this year with cutbacks being made to the former, near-50-man roster? Any potential depth issues? Other concerns?

Kimball Kjar:
There are benefits and drawbacks. You just have to focus on what things you have control over—good or bad. Fortunately, we have a great staff and support system behind the scenes of the program that make any cutbacks in roster size a good thing. We can focus on recruiting more poignantly, our trainings are more focused and the pace is at a higher level since the talent continues to increase every year amongst our entire team.

With all this we can as coaches focus on developing a team that is playing at a high level instead of having to spread ourselves over 80+ players like we used to in the past. But looking back on last year when we were first faced with the cut in roster size, the benefits have clearly outweighed the drawbacks.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Please describe your experience during the 2009 National Title match against Cal Berkeley. What did the win mean for you and for the program? Future implications?

Kimball Kjar:
Words can hardly describe how pleased I was with last year’s team. They faced adversity from every corner and proved to be one of the most mentally-tough teams I’ve seen at BYU in a long time. They proved their mettle throughout the season and in that title match to come back against the best program in the country.

Honestly, I think it got a big monkey off our back of being the consummate doormat rival of Cal for three years in a row, but I believe it will open up greater and more competitive rugby across the country. If the 2009 season was any implication of the rising standard of collegiate rugby, then the future is bright for not only BYU, but for other teams to compete against the best like Cal. Teams like Arkansas State, San Diego State, Dartmouth, LSU, PSU, Army and others are showing that rugby on the collegiate level has a bright spot in USA Rugby’s future.

BYU Rugby Forever:
As a coach, what points do you primarily focus on with players to ensure their skill development, personally and collectively?

Kimball Kjar:
I was an effort-based player. I wasn’t always the handiest or most expert player, but I made up for it with my preparation and maximum effort on the field. I expect the same from the players I coach. In other words, we train our backs like we expect them to play—fast, hard, dynamically and smart. It’s the individual player’s onus to take charge of training in that fashion and it’s the group’s responsibility to ensure that the individuals are adhering to the same high level objectives.

In that way, the group becomes a self-governing entity that only needs mild correcting and coaching along the way. I wish I could say I had anything strategically to do with our back’s play in that national championship comeback, but it was their internal will to win and rugby acumen that aided to the team’s success. Not my coaching. That game was a good example of our preparation model: the basic skills coupled with effort beget sound rugby principles, and those principles coupled with good decision-making from the individual player and team begets a successful outcome. I try to build our back line play around those ideals.

BYU Rugby Forever:
How can we BYU Rugby alumni and/or fans everywhere better support the program? Thoughts?

Kimball Kjar:
We are one of the luckiest programs in the country to have the following and support of the fan base that we do. I can’t say how many times I’ve been stopped by someone to say congratulations on our national championship. The community around BYU and here in the state has firmly latched on to our success and the administration has been great with helping us off the field.

Our Alumni have always been there for us and we couldn’t have done any of this without not only their financial support, but also their leading our program to where it is today through their own contributions on the field when they played without the chance to compete for a national championship. We hope that we can continue to live up to the ideal set by our Alumni, our administration and our many fans. Keep cheering the Cougars on!

BYU Rugby Forever:
Many thanks for the insights, Coach Kjar. Best of luck this season!

Kimball Kjar:
No worries. Thank you as well.
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BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies: Interview of the Week

If you had to choose just one player from the BYU Rugby team that best displayed the skills and dynamics necessary to meet all facets of the game of rugby, the clear choice would be BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies. While his height might cause the unknowing observer to question, anyone who has witnessed him play for even a few minutes knows of his amazing elusiveness and physicality on the field. (Photos by Paul Meyers)


At the position of scrumhalf, Shaun's obvious talent and high level of execution not only rendered him an individual threat but also set him apart as a dependable leader. Throughout the season, it was a common occurrence to witness Shaun score more than one individual try as well as set up numerous others. His aptitude and decisiveness at such a critical position enabled the BYU Rugby team to play at a faster pace than ever before.

With great pleasure, the BYU Rugby Forever "Interview of the Week" series continues with the most recognizable player on the field today, the face of the BYU Rugby team, All-American Scrumhalf Shaun Davies.


BYU Rugby Forever:
What influenced you to come to BYU all the way from home in South Africa? Has it been a tough transition to adapt to the LDS/BYU culture?

Shaun Davies:
Well, BYU is a really good school, and the rugby team speaks for itself; so that is the main reason, but I always just wanted to study away from home...just never knew it would be this far. It was never tough to adapt to the culture because all the guys on the team were so helpful to Dylan and me.

BYU Rugby Forever:
In the 2009 National Title match against Cal Berkeley, you notched a penalty kick with less than 5 minutes left in the game to give BYU the win by 3 points and to be subsequently named the match MVP. What does this moment and achievement mean to you? to your family?

Shaun Davies:
I was extremely honored to have received the award. To be honest though, I think there were a bunch of guys who could have got the award before me; I guess I was just lucky to have got the kick over.

My parents think that I am the next Daniel Carter or something now. I better not let them down.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Earlier this summer, you were injured while playing for the RegionalAll-Star team, the Pacific Coast Grizzlies, which injury prevented youfrom playing with the All-Americans. What was injured and how? What's the status of your recovery and ability to play next season?

Shaun Davies:
I tore the MCL and PCL; the MCL was torn completely though. It was just unlucky how it happened. I was running the ball back and thought I got round the first wave of defenders, but then some guy hit me from the side and there went my knee.

I am meant to be back and playing full contact by mid September, but I think I will just take it easy. I don’t see the point of coming back and then just hurting it again.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What were some of the most intense moments you experienced this past season?

Shaun Davies:
There are so many intense moments from this last season. It varies from Coach Smyth nearly killing me in a half time talk against Dartmouth to playing Berkley in the final.

One of my favorite moments would have to be against [Arkansas State]. I remember after the try we scored, Kyle Sumsion went crazy (most intense moment), and I just burst out laughing at him. And looking back at that now, I still laugh even though that was for me the toughest game of the season.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What are your goals for yourself and for the team during the rest of your BYU Rugby career? If possible, would you pursue the opportunity to play rugby on a higher level?

Shaun Davies:
For the BYU rugby team, we have now set the benchmark of a perfect season, and we know what it takes...so I would love to have three more of those, and I am willing to do whatever it takes.

It’s funny you ask that, because yesterday I was watching the Berkley game but concentrating on myself...and it made me realize that if I do want to play at a higher level, there is still a lot I have to improve. To answer your question, I want to go as far in rugby as I can go.

BYU Rugby Forever:
To all the BYU Rugby faithful around the world, do you have any particular message or thoughts you would share?

Shaun Davies:
Thank you all so much for the support. You don’t realize how much it helps and how much we enjoy it. I hope that we can make you guys just as happy this season as we did last.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks, Shaun. Hope you heal up well in time for another great season! Congrats on the MVP and national honors!
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BYU Rugby Prop Mikey Su'a: Interview of the Week

The long wait and anticipation is over as the 'Interview of the Week' series finally features none other than big BYU Prop and All-American, Mikey Su'a. Joining the ranks of what seems to be an increasingly consistent BYU presence on the Collegiate All-American roster, Mikey's selection to the squad granted him the chance to compete internationally earlier this month.

Throughout the regular season and National Tournament, Mikey's dominant physical presence and surprising mobility on the field excited BYU Rugby teammates and fans alike. And as a clutch player, his flexibility and growing test experience enabled him to fill in at the critical Hooker position for Ra Lawrence during the 2009 National Championships. (Photo by Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
In the National Championship final this past May, you received a yellow card just before the end of the match. What exactly happened in that critical situation? In your opinion, did your actions justify the ref's call?

Mikey Su'a:
Well, it was about six minutes until the final whistle. I had just made a tackle at the base of the ruck; I got up, and Kyle Sumsion and myself started to counter-ruck. We both counter-rucked, and then I counter-rucked again...the next thing I know, the referee is giving me a yellow card for "not attempting to wrap in the tackle." I've watched the game film over and over, trying to see what the referee saw, but I still really don't understand the call...but I think all in all, it worked out just fine.

BYU Rugby Forever:
As a selection to the 2009 All-American Traveling Squad, you recently returned from a 3-match tour to South Africa. Please describe your experience, on and off the pitch, for the benefit of us fans. What moment stands out to you as the highlight of the trip?

Mikey Su'a:
Going to South Africa as a part of the All-American Team was an awesome experience. It was a hard but rewarding tour. We started off in Glendale, Colorado, for the first 3 days just training and getting to know our teammates better; then it was about 26 hours of traveling to Cape Town. We trained twice a day for most of the tour just to try to make the most of our opportunity to play together and to try to get used to one another's style of play.

Rugby in South Africa is just a way of life, so to be able to go and be a part of that whole culture was something else! I would have to say that playing in Newlands Stadium was definitely a highlight of the tour. Just to be in the stadium and to see where so many famous matches have been played was a humbling experience.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Several players from Cal Berkeley also traveled with the All-Americans to South Africa. Was it a tough transition to suddenly have to practice with, support, and play alongside your usual rivals? Thoughts? Experiences?

Mikey Su'a:
It really wasn't tough at all. The Cal guys were very easy to get along with. We all knew what we were there for. Part of playing on a team like the All-American Team means that you've probably played against most of your new teammates before you play with them. But being a part of a rugby program like Cal, they know the type of rugby you have to play to be successful, so it was a very easy transition to play with them.

BYU Rugby Forever:
An inevitable question, what's the story on your recruitment experience with the BYU football team? Will you end up playing after all, and if so, at what position?

Mikey Su'a:
Well, I was asked to be on the BYU Football team as a nose guard. After training with them all summer, and some of fall, I was made aware that I did not qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Basically, I didn't take the right amount of "core" classes when I was in high school, so I won't be playing football at all...just concentrating on rugby!

BYU Rugby Forever:
What is your outlook on the upcoming 2009-2010 rugby season? With several key players graduating or leaving on missions, what will the BYU Rugby team need to do to be as competitive as last season?

Mikey Su'a:
We will definitely miss those players that are leaving. No one can replace a Steve St. Pierre, who left such a mark on BYU Rugby. Steve was an example, both on and off the field to our entire team, and the best team captain you could ask for. Guys like Paul Lasike, Kyle Sumsion, and Jordan Lowry, who made such an impact on the field, will be missed but we'll be excited to get them back from their missions.

Over all, we have a very positive outlook on the upcoming season. We are starting our strength and conditioning sessions with Coach Omer and Coach McClure soon, which will help us get in better shape, and then Coach Smyth, Coach Tarawhiti, Coach Kjar, and Coach Nadauld always work us hard. They know what it takes to be successful, so if we as a team can trust the coaches to prepare us, I know we'll be successful this season.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What would you say to all the BYU Rugby fans and alumni around the world if you had the chance?

Mikey Su'a:
I don't think the fans and alumni know how much we sincerely appreciate them. From all those supporters that open their homes to us, to the fans that just cheer for us. Without all of the BYU Rugby supporters, there is no way that BYU Rugby would be at the level it is. At almost every practice, training, or game, our coaches remind us of all the people that help behind the scenes, whether it's BYU Rugby alumni, fans, or just supporters. We know who you are and we thank you!

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks for your time and consideration, and congratulations on the opportunity to represent the US internationally! Good luck this coming year!

Mikey Su'a:
Thanks for the interview opportunity, bro!
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BYU Rugby Lock Kyle Sumsion: Interview of the Week

This week's featured guest for the continuing "Interview of the Week" series is BYU Lock Kyle Sumsion. A model of tenacity on the field, Kyle's persistent efforts aided in the BYU Rugby team's first National Title. His relentlessness and endurance as a lock enabled him to be in the right places at the right times to keep the drive alive: running the ball, gathering line-outs, rucking, tackling, and supporting his teammates... all as a freshman. As a result, Kyle was named an All-American Honorable Mention.

And along with Apenisa Malani, Kyle was also recently recognized for his consistent and supportive play, both defensively and offensively throughout the entire season, with a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
As you are preparing to leave and serve a mission for the LDS church in the coming months, has it been a tough decision for you to make, to walk away in the midst of so much momentum and success on the collegiate level? Thoughts?

Kyle Sumsion:
I recently received my mission call to the Argentina Buenos Aires South mission. Even though the decision to walk away was hard, I know that I will be so much more blessed because of it. I was invited to play for the US Under-20 team and that would have been an awesome experience, but I am going to miss playing with the BYU team a lot more.

BYU Rugby Forever:
How did it feel to score a try as a freshman in a National Title match against Cal? What were your thoughts up to and in that crucial moment?

Kyle Sumsion:
As far as scoring the try, I just placed [the ball] down. Jordan Lowry and Mikey Su'a did all the grunt work to get it right down by the try zone. However, it was a very cool feeling scoring the try. All I was really thinking about at that moment was just making sure I scored.

BYU Rugby Forever:
You were recently selected as a Collegiate All-American Honorable Mention as well as a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award recipient. What do these accolades mean to you? What are your ambitions and goals for your rugby career in the future?

Kyle Sumsion:
To receive both of those awards was such an honor. But all of the credit goes to my coaches and teammates for helping me progress to where I am. I'm not really sure what the rugby future holds for me other than BYU has 4 more national titles to win while I am there.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What were the greatest moments/highlights of the 2008-09 season for you? Any humorous experiences?

Kyle Sumsion:
Winning the National Championship was definitely the highlight of the season. Also, Mike Price and I were competing to see who could score more varsity trys; I scored 1 and he scored 0, so that was a definite highlight. All the players and coaches were so close this year that we were always joking around at the appropriate times, and that made rugby so much fun.

BYU Rugby Forever:
For a freshman, you displayed an exceptionally high level of consistency and dependability on the field, starting nearly every match of the 2008-09 season. If you could offer any advice or counsel to incoming freshmen recruits, what would you say?

Kyle Sumsion:
Work hard and make your tackles.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Any words you'd like to offer to all BYU Rugby alumni and fans out there?

Kyle Sumsion:
Thank you so much for all of your support. You are the reason why we are where we are today. BYU has the best fans in the world.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Kyle, congratulations on the National Championship win and national honors! Good luck on your mission!
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BYU Rugby Flanker Apenisa Malani: Interview of the Week

The "Interview of the Week" series continues with this week's guest, BYU Flanker Apenisa Malani. Apenisa's solid efforts on the pitch throughout the course of the past season played a crucial role in the Cougars' first-ever National Title win and, not surprisingly, also led to national individual honors with a selection to the All-American squad.

Apenisa was also recently recognized for his consistent support, both offensively and defensively, with a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
What does it mean to you to win a National Championship for BYU? Feelings? Thoughts? Stories?

Apenisa Malani:
Winning the National Championship meant a lot to me. It meant a reward for the sacrifice made by so many individuals: players, coaching staff, fans, alumni, sponsors, family, etc. These were people that I also played for, and I really hope that the win can be a way of thanking them for their support.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What were the greatest moments/highlights of the 2008-09 season for you?

Apenisa Malani:
Winning the National Championship.

BYU Rugby Forever:
You were recently selected as a Collegiate All-American as well as a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award recipient. What do these accolades mean to you? Any aspirations to eventually play rugby at the next level?

Apenisa Malani:
I was very happy to be selected into the All-American squad this year. I really wanted to be a part of the [touring squad] but due to financial constraints and visa problems I was not able to. With regards to the [BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award], I am grateful to be a recipient and also would like to share the award with the rest of the players who have worked really hard throughout the season without any recognition.

BYU Rugby Forever:
The BYU Rugby team often receives flack for having several Polynesian/Melanesian and older, married players on their roster. Being a Fijian Islander and newlywed (by the way, congratulations!), how do your culture, age, and recent marriage affect you as a collegiate rugby player? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Apenisa Malani:
Well, in some ways I see it as an advantage, but there is also the other side of the coin. Being married and from Fiji has its challenging moments too. There is more responsibility now and I really have to work more, go to school, and also try and be fit and healthy for rugby. Most of us from the islands do not have families here that could readily assist us when we need it.

BYU Rugby Forever:
In your opinion, how did the BYU Rugby team manage to pull off such a miraculous win over Cal this year? Any thoughts on the possibility of the BYU Rugby team taking the National Title again in coming years?

Apenisa Malani:
All of the preparation (training) and the experiences that we went through prior to the National Championship game prepared us well to meet the challenge. Our desire to win ultimately stood out in that game and was rewarded. Like Coach Smyth said, we would not want this win to be a one-shot thing. It is possible to win another title and, with everyone's help, we can do it again.

BYU Rugby Forever:
If you could say anything to BYU Rugby alumni and fans, what would you say?

Apenisa Malani:
I would like to sincerely thank all the supporters and fans who gave of their time, talent, and resources to make our season a successful and a memorable one. They have also assisted us in fulfilling our dream to win a National Championship Title. For some of us, your support has made it possible for us to be here attending Brigham Young University. Big THANK YOU to you all.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thank you, Apenisa, and many congratulations on the National Championship win and national honors!
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BYU Rugby Head Coach David Smyth: Interview of the Week

BYU Rugby Forever's 'Interview of the Week' series continues with a few words from an extra special guest and household name among BYU Rugby fans, Head Coach David Smyth. After the hype and hectics settled following the spectacular National Title win last month, Coach Smyth agreed to answer a few questions to appease the curiosity of BYU Rugby Fans everywhere. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
Looking back on the BYU-Cal national championship meetings of the past few years, how has the consistent match-up affected your playoff approach? your team preparation and goals?

David Smyth:
In all honesty, we have kept our preparation very simple but focused. We never look past our opponent. We identify the things that we need to do well against the team we are playing against and then let the boys go to work. What we try to do throughout the course of the season is identify different options available to the players through good decision making as things unfold on the field. Very rarely do you go through a game where you are not tested to the point where you need to change things on the fly. The players themselves need to be able to identify these situations and make the changes. Our input during the course of a game is limited.

The playoffs do bring a different set of challenges through travel and the high level of competition, so on and so forth; we have a certain routine that we follow, but as I said, keeping things simple and focused is usually the order of the day.

BYU Rugby Forever:
In your view, what factors enabled BYU to come out on top in this year's championship bout?

David Smyth:
A number of things played a role in this year's result. Firstly, we were relatively healthy compared to past years. Our strength and conditioning program supervised by coaches McClure and Omer had a massive impact; our boys were fitter than they have been in past years. There was a sense of belief amongst the boys that if they worked hard and together and trusted each other that they could win. For them to trust each other, it required that every player needed to know his role within the team and perform to the best of his ability. I think they all did that!

BYU Rugby Forever:
With several teams "raising the bar" (especially this year) in college rugby, what is your outlook for the future? How will the BYU Rugby team maintain a competitive edge in the long run?

David Smyth:
I think the future looks bright! We are excited but not under any illusions when it comes to what lies ahead. There will be no shortage of challengers out there in the foreseeable future; we've just got to look 40 miles up the freeway to remind ourselves of that fact. We will continue to foster an environment where we test ourselves as coaches and players so that we can perform well.

We need to continue to bring athletes and rugby players into our program: these young men are the ones that make things happen on the field and without them we couldn't do it.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What will it take to establish the BYU Rugby team as the top program in the nation, even to the point of overshadowing the Cal mystique?

David Smyth:
I don't think you can overshadow the Cal mystique. To do what they have done has been nothing short of amazing! No one will ever come close to their level of success as college rugby continues to get better across the country. In saying that, however, we want to maintain our own identity at BYU by doing things in a way that works for us. Continually striving to get the best results and placing young men in the world who know what they have to do to succeed in their professions and within their families. Does that mean we will win a national championship every year? I don't think so...but if we are not close to it, we would all be disappointed.

BYU Rugby Forever:
You were recently named the "2008/09 ARN College Coach of the Year" as BYU claimed its first National Title. What does this honor, and especially the National Title, mean to you? your career? your family?

David Smyth:
I'm never really comfortable focusing on individual honors. It was a great honor for the program. It really reflects on the effort put forth by all the coaches and especially the players. The national championship was very special for everyone associated with the program. As far as my family, I should say how very grateful I am to my wife and children for all of their support through the years; they have been fantastic!

BYU Rugby Forever:
If you could send a message to all BYU Rugby alumni and fans, what would it say?

David Smyth:
Without the enthusiastic support of alumni, it would be impossible to contend for a national championship. In these difficult times, it sometimes requires a bit of a stretch for alumni to put forth even more support. Truly, there is a direct relationship between alumni support and our success on the field. Without their increased support, we will fail. Together, we can accomplish great things.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thank you for your time and consideration, Coach Smyth. On behalf of BYU Rugby fans everywhere, I offer many congratulations on an amazing season and well-deserved National Title. Here's looking forward to next year!
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Cal Rugby Head Coach Jack Clark: Interview of the Week

A couple weeks ago, I sent an email to Jack Clark, Head Coach of the Cal Rugby program, requesting a small interview. Although somewhat reluctant to do so, he told me to go ahead and send my questions... (CalBears.com photo)

I must admit I was pretty excited to hear from the great Jack Clark, especially as I was hoping for some good perspective on the Cal Rugby program and thoughts on their recent loss to BYU (that and the fact that I thought it just plain fun to see if he would even reply!). Instead of answering my questions, however, Coach Clark referred me to an interview he had just had with the media relations people at Cal that morning. And so my questions got deflected! Shucks, of all the luck...

Well, what can I say... apparently my media muscle is still about as minuscule as that of a fledgling school newspaper! The score is Jack Clark 1, BYU Rugby Forever 0... for now... but it's on, folks, it's really on! Look out!!!

Ok, all kidding aside, I did finally find the aforementioned interview featured on CalBears.com to pass on to all of you, dated May 22, 2009:

Q&A with California Rugby Head Coach Jack Clark

Although the majority of the questions asked do not touch on the BYU-Cal meetings of the past few years, nevertheless a few of the questions did include some commentary with respect to BYU. I'll here include such relevant, question/answer excerpts, but the analysis thereof I leave to you...

My respect and thanks to Coach Clark for his consideration nonetheless; someday I'll try again! But in the meantime, enjoy the following Q&A:

(for the entire interview, click the above link)

California saw a remarkable run of 115 wins in a row against U.S. collegiate competition end against BYU at the 2009 national championship. The streak began after your regular-season loss to Cal Poly on April 3, 2004. What are your thoughts on that achievement?

I haven't paid any more attention to this streak than the streak before it, or the one before that. We are neurotic about reaching our potential as a team and, to a degree, about playing our best rugby at season's end, but the results in the middle are only about building the team. Maybe one day, when I'm finished, I'll take a look back at what we've accomplished, but for now I'm only concerned about the next season.

The four consecutive meetings now with BYU in the national championship are thought by many to be a streak that will continue for many years to come. The Bears edged BYU by three in 2006 and won the next two convincingly before falling three points short this year. Do you also envision this rivalry continuing at the championship level in the foreseeable future?

I have no idea if it will continue. Our focus needs to be on getting to the title match, not who we're playing in the match. With this said, I personally love coaching against BYU and I always have, dating back to the early '80s, partially because there's always so much on the line. The matches have largely been winner-take-all affairs. Even when we played them in 2001, when they had that great Kimball Kjar team, some billed it as an unofficial championship because BYU was unavailable for the national championship. It was as good of a victory for a "friendly" as is possible.

But look, BYU is our adversary, and as a foe to our university the Cougars are perfect. I wouldn't change one aspect of this BYU team - not the composition of their team, how they play or are coached to play, not the fans, nothing. They are the perfect opponent. If you can't get ready to play BYU, go see a cardiologist. They are everything you want in an opponent.

Does not winning the national championship this year change anything for the Bears going forward? In other words, does it get harder to win, or will the team possibly be more motivated next year?

No, not in my view. There is very little connection between this year's results and next. Remember, I've been at this awhile. We've both lost twice in consecutive years and we've won the championship every year for a decade. In my experience there isn't much connection between seasons.

I think the talk you hear in this regard is wrong. Many believe we will somehow be hungrier to win next year while others believe that, having lost, losing will come easier. It's all uninformed conjecture.

The championship is always won in the here and now. It's always competed for in the here and now. What happened last year is just that. Like this year, whoever wins next year's title will win it because they're the best team.

No amount of winning or losing is too much, and it's never the other team's turn to win or lose. It's the code of the sportsman, it's what we live by. It's called competition. You walk between the lines and you win or lose based on your preparation and performance in relation to your opponents'. There are no other factors.
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